New OCD diagnosis-need info/ideas

[Guest guest]

My 13 year old daughter was just diagnosed with OCD. She started school 8th

grade and 3 days into the year, imploded. Over this last 3 weeks many OCD

symptoms and rituals have surfaced along with complete inablilty to handle

school, makeup work at all. Right now its a big deal if she can get dressed. She

has become a shadow of her former self. This has been heartbreaking to see her

deteriate and regress and her fear/panic episodes are frightening. My sister

found this group for me along and the Pandas info and I cant imagine any other

explanation for her immediate downward spiral. We saw a phychiatrist who said

its sever (mentioned hospitalization, Yikes!) and my daughter is now taking

antidepressents for last 5 days. Been to phychologist once so far. Neither

person seemed to even consider the Pandas idea when I brought it up. Just

wondering if I should persue the medical aspect of this to rule this out on my

own. Im in the Chicago area so Im not sure what medical Dr. I should see. I

know my currant pediatrician won't have clue about this and wont know what to

look for.

I also want to know if the child has extreme anxiety, is it best to let the

medication take effect before begining therapy or should therapy begin

immediately? I would appreciate any help or suggestions as this is all new to

us.